2026 NFL International Games Predictions, Schedule and Odds

By:

Mario Vega

in

NFL

Last Updated on

The 2026 NFL International Games schedule is the biggest global slate the league has ever put together. We’re getting nine regular-season games across Australia, Brazil, England, France, Spain, Germany and Mexico, with the NFL expanding its global footprint from Week 1 all the way into late November.

This year’s international schedule has everything NFL bettors want: division rivals in Australia, a Cowboys-Ravens heavyweight matchup in Brazil, three London games, a debut in Paris, a second straight Madrid game, a Munich showdown, and a Mexico City night game featuring the 49ers. If you’re tracking lines throughout the season, keep an eye on the latest NFL odds and our weekly NFL picks as each matchup gets closer.

Get Expert Picks for Every 2026 NFL International Game

Predictions, odds, and more insights updated daily

The 2026 international schedule begins on September 10 with the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, and wraps up on November 22 with the Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers in Mexico City. That gives bettors nine neutral-site or relocated-home games to evaluate, and travel will be a major handicapping factor all season.

NFL International Games Odds

The following 2026 NFL International Games odds are early market numbers. These lines will move once injuries, depth charts, quarterback situations and regular-season form become clearer.

MatchupSpreadTotal
49ers vs. RamsRams -2.548.5
Ravens vs. CowboysRavens -2.549.5
Colts vs. CommandersCommanders -1.548.5
Eagles vs. JaguarsEagles -1.543.5
Texans vs. JaguarsTexans -1.541.5
Steelers vs. SaintsSteelers -1.541.5
Bengals vs. FalconsBengals -4.548.5
Patriots vs. LionsLions -1.547.5
Vikings vs. 49ers49ers -346.5

The biggest thing bettors need to remember is that international lines are vulnerable to travel spots, rest edges and market overreaction. A spread that looks right in May can look completely different by October if a team is dealing with injuries, quarterback uncertainty or a brutal schedule stretch.

The Rams, Ravens, Bengals and 49ers are the most notable early favorites on this board. But the Jaguars playing back-to-back London games is the most interesting scheduling wrinkle, and it could create a unique edge depending on how the market prices Jacksonville’s second straight week overseas.

The 2026 international slate is not just bigger; it is more complicated. Bettors are dealing with new host cities, long-haul travel, unfamiliar stadium setups, and teams crossing multiple time zones. These games should not be handicapped exactly like normal Sunday matchups.

  • Favorites are usually safer when they have the better quarterback and cleaner travel setup.
  • Unders often draw interest in London-style early kickoffs, but totals are not automatic plays.
  • Teams with international experience may be more comfortable with the week’s routine.
  • Back-to-back international scheduling can create an edge if the team stays overseas.
  • Division games abroad can be more volatile because familiarity cuts into matchup edges.
  • New international venues can create uncertainty with field conditions, crowd energy and game rhythm.

The most important betting angle this year is travel. The 49ers will play two international games, including the Week 1 Australia opener and the Week 11 Mexico City game. Jacksonville also gets two London games in consecutive weeks. Those spots are worth monitoring closely before locking in any early bets.

NFL International Game Matchups

The 2026 NFL International Games schedule features nine matchups, and each one has a different betting personality. Some are straight-up power matchups, while others are more about location, rest, travel and timing.

49ers vs. Rams in Australia

The first NFL regular-season game in Australia is a monster NFC West matchup. The Rams are slight favorites, and that makes sense given the market’s confidence in Los Angeles as a top-tier NFC team. But this is still a division game, and Kyle Shanahan has enough offensive creativity to keep San Francisco live as an underdog.

Because this game comes in Week 1, bettors should be careful with assumptions. We won’t have fresh form, and the travel spot is unlike anything the league has done before. This could be one of the hardest games on the entire international slate to handicap cleanly.

The betting angle here is all about rhythm. Both teams know each other extremely well, so the Australia setting becomes the true wildcard. The Rams may have the cleaner early number, but San Francisco’s ability to scheme explosive plays off motion, misdirection and play-action makes this dangerous if Los Angeles starts slowly. In a normal venue, this would already be a high-level NFC West chess match. In Melbourne, with travel and Week 1 nerves baked in, it becomes one of the most unique openers the NFL has ever staged.

Ravens vs. Cowboys in Brazil

Baltimore vs. Dallas at Maracanã Stadium is the biggest brand-name game on the international board. The Ravens are early favorites, and that number reflects their combination of quarterback play, physicality and roster stability. Dallas will bring the crowd, the attention and the betting handle, but Baltimore looks like the more complete side on paper.

This game has a playoff-style feel for September. Both teams can score, both teams have star power, and the total near 49.5 suggests oddsmakers expect fireworks. If you like betting marquee games, this is the first international matchup to circle after Week 1.

This matchup may not have the same headline pull as Ravens-Cowboys or Bengals-Falcons, but it could be one of the sharper betting games on the board. The Colts are the type of team that can muddy up a neutral-site game with rushing volume, defensive pressure and long drives, while Washington has the higher offensive ceiling if its passing game is in sync. That contrast makes the first quarter especially important. If Washington jumps out early, the Commanders can dictate tempo. If Indianapolis keeps it ugly, this becomes a live underdog spot fast.

Colts vs. Commanders in London

The first London game is a tricky one. Washington is a small favorite, but the spread is short enough to call it close to a toss-up. The Commanders’ ceiling depends heavily on quarterback play and offensive consistency, while Indianapolis has enough physicality to make this uncomfortable.

This is the kind of game where bettors should wait for injury reports and offensive line form. A small spread in London can flip quickly if one team enters with better health and a cleaner travel week.

This matchup may not have the same headline pull as Ravens-Cowboys or Bengals-Falcons, but it could be one of the sharper betting games on the board. The Colts are the type of team that can muddy up a neutral-site game with rushing volume, defensive pressure and long drives, while Washington has the higher offensive ceiling if its passing game is in sync. That contrast makes the first quarter especially important. If Washington jumps out early, the Commanders can dictate tempo. If Indianapolis keeps it ugly, this becomes a live underdog spot fast.

Eagles vs. Jaguars in London

Philadelphia against Jacksonville at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has one of the more interesting early lines. The Eagles are slightly favored in the current market, but Jacksonville’s comfort level in London always matters. The Jaguars have played more games in London than any other NFL team, and that familiarity can be worth something in a tight spread.

From a betting standpoint, this matchup may come down to how well Philadelphia travels and whether Jacksonville’s offense is efficient enough to avoid long stretches of empty possessions. If the Jaguars are healthy, this could be one of the better underdog spots on the international board.

This is also a sneaky coaching and preparation spot. Philadelphia has the stronger national profile, but Jacksonville’s London experience gives the Jaguars a built-in comfort edge that should not be ignored. The Jags know the stadium routine, the travel process and the strange rhythm of playing overseas. That does not automatically make them the better team, but in a short-spread game, small edges matter. If Jacksonville protects the ball and avoids giving Philadelphia short fields, this matchup has upset potential written all over it.

Texans vs. Jaguars in London

Houston vs. Jacksonville at Wembley gives the Jaguars a second straight London game. That is a real scheduling angle. If Jacksonville stays overseas, it could reduce travel stress and give the Jaguars a more normal preparation week than Houston.

Still, the Texans are slight favorites for a reason. Houston’s roster has the kind of speed and quarterback upside that travels well. This is one of those games where the early spread may not be as important as the week-of setup. If Jacksonville handles the previous London game well, the market could tighten quickly.

The second straight London game is where Jacksonville’s international setup could really pay off. Houston may have the cleaner roster projection, but the Texans will have to manage the full overseas adjustment while Jacksonville could already be settled into the week. That kind of comfort can show up in small ways: cleaner communication, fewer early penalties, better first-half energy and sharper offensive timing. If the market prices this like a normal neutral-site game, bettors may get a real situational edge with the Jaguars.

Steelers vs. Saints in Paris

The NFL’s first regular-season game in Paris gives us Pittsburgh vs. New Orleans at Stade de France. The Steelers are short favorites, and the low total tells you what the market expects: defense, field position and a grind-it-out pace.

This is not the flashiest game on the international schedule, but it may be one of the most bettable. If both teams enter with limited offensive explosiveness, the under will draw attention. The concern is that early international totals can get over-adjusted, so bettors should not blindly chase the under without checking the final number.

This Paris game feels like a classic field-position battle, and that can be a gift for bettors who enjoy totals and ugly football. Pittsburgh’s defense should travel well, and the Steelers’ best path is likely to turn this into a physical, low-mistake game. New Orleans has to prove it can generate enough explosive plays to loosen that structure. If both offenses are conservative early, the under could become the most popular angle here, but bettors need to watch the number carefully because low totals can lose value quickly once the market catches up.

Bengals vs. Falcons in Madrid

Cincinnati vs. Atlanta in Madrid is one of the best offensive matchups on the slate. The Bengals are laying more than a field goal, and that number is tied directly to Joe Burrow’s ceiling. If Burrow is healthy, Cincinnati can stress Atlanta’s defense in ways few teams can.

Atlanta is dangerous enough to keep this game competitive, especially if its young offensive core takes another step. But the Bengals have the cleaner quarterback edge, and that is usually where the market starts in neutral-site games. This is a strong matchup for bettors who prefer offensive props and overs, assuming the total stays below the key 50-point range.

This is the type of international game that could deliver points in a hurry. Cincinnati’s passing game gives the Bengals one of the clearest matchup advantages on the board, but Atlanta has enough offensive talent to make this uncomfortable if the Falcons stay balanced. The key is whether Atlanta can avoid chasing the game too early. If the Bengals jump ahead and force the Falcons into obvious passing downs, Cincinnati’s edge grows. If Atlanta keeps the run game alive and controls possession, this could become one of the best over games on the slate.

Patriots vs. Lions in Munich

New England vs. Detroit in Munich could become one of the best games of the international slate if both teams live up to expectations. Detroit is a small favorite, but the spread says oddsmakers view this as a near coin flip on neutral ground.

The Lions’ physical style should fit well in Germany, while New England’s path depends on quarterback efficiency and whether its defense can keep Detroit behind schedule. This is the type of international game where live betting may be more attractive than locking in a side months early.

Munich has already shown it can create a strong NFL atmosphere, and this matchup fits that stage well. Detroit’s physical identity should play anywhere, but New England’s defense gives the Patriots a chance to drag this into a tighter game than the market expects. The Lions are the safer side because they have more offensive answers, but this is not a matchup where bettors should expect a clean blowout. If New England’s quarterback play is efficient, this could turn into a fourth-quarter sweat for anyone laying points with Detroit.

Vikings vs. 49ers in Mexico City

The 2026 NFL International Games schedule closes with Minnesota vs. San Francisco in Mexico City. The 49ers are early field-goal favorites, and altitude will be part of the conversation because Estadio Banorte sits much higher than a typical NFL venue.

San Francisco has the deeper roster on paper, but this will be its second international game of the season. That matters. The 49ers may still be the right side, but bettors should keep an eye on fatigue, injuries and how the team’s playoff positioning looks by Week 11.

The Mexico City finale has one extra layer most international games do not: altitude. That can affect pace, conditioning and defensive rotations, especially later in the game. San Francisco has the deeper roster and more complete profile, but Minnesota can make this interesting if it protects the football and forces the 49ers into longer drives. Bettors should also pay attention to where both teams stand in the playoff race by late November. Motivation, injuries and fatigue could change this handicap more than almost any other game on the international schedule.

NFL International Games Predictions

Let’s take a look at the full 2026 NFL International Games slate and make early predictions for every matchup. These picks are based on current roster outlook, early market numbers and schedule context. They should be updated closer to kickoff once injury reports and current form are available.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams Prediction

The Rams are the cleaner early pick in Australia. Los Angeles has the better market profile, the more stable early-season outlook and enough offensive balance to handle the neutral-site setting. San Francisco can absolutely win this game, but the travel and Week 1 uncertainty make it harder to trust the 49ers right away.

Bet: Los Angeles Rams -2.5

Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys Prediction

The Cowboys will attract plenty of public money, but Baltimore looks like the better football team entering the season. The Ravens’ physical run game, defensive structure and quarterback edge give them the right profile for a high-pressure neutral-site game. Dallas can keep it close, but Baltimore deserves favorite status.

Bet: Baltimore Ravens -2.5

Indianapolis Colts vs. Washington Commanders Prediction

This is one of the toughest early calls. Washington is a small favorite, but the number is thin and the Colts are capable of turning this into a physical game. The Commanders have more upside if their offense is clicking, but this feels like a stay-away spot until we know more about both teams.

Bet: Commanders -1.5 lean, but not a best bet

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Prediction

Philadelphia has the stronger roster, but Jacksonville’s London experience makes this a dangerous favorite spot. The Jaguars know the routine, and that matters in a game where the spread is sitting near a pick’em. If you want the sharper early angle, taking the points with Jacksonville makes sense.

Bet: Jacksonville Jaguars +1.5

Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Prediction

This is the better spot for Jacksonville. Playing a second straight game in London could give the Jaguars a preparation edge, especially if Houston has to adjust quickly to travel, timing and a different weekly routine. The Texans may be the better team overall, but the scheduling angle points toward Jacksonville.

Bet: Jacksonville Jaguars +1.5

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New Orleans Saints Prediction

This has ugly international game written all over it. Pittsburgh is the safer side because its defense and physical style travel well, but the better play may be the total. Unless both offenses look sharper than expected by October, this matchup profiles as a lower-scoring game.

Bet: Under 41.5

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta Falcons Prediction

The Bengals are laying the biggest number on the international board, but they also have the clearest quarterback advantage. Cincinnati’s passing game can put Atlanta in chase mode, and that is not where the Falcons want to be. Atlanta is live for a cover if its offense takes a leap, but the Bengals are the better early pick.

Bet: Cincinnati Bengals -4.5

New England Patriots vs. Detroit Lions Prediction

The Lions are short favorites in Munich, and that feels right. Detroit’s offensive line, run game and physical identity should translate well to a neutral-site environment. New England’s defense can keep this close, but Detroit has more ways to win if the game turns into a fourth-quarter grind.

Bet: Detroit Lions -1.5

Minnesota Vikings vs. San Francisco 49ers Prediction

The 49ers are the right side in Mexico City, but this is not a slam-dunk spot. San Francisco will have already played in Australia, and the season could look very different by late November. Still, if the 49ers are healthy, their offensive structure and defensive front should be enough to control the game.

Bet: San Francisco 49ers -3

NFL International Game Prop Bets

Most 2026 NFL International Game prop markets are not fully posted yet. That is normal this far ahead of the season. Instead of inventing player props, the smartest approach is to identify the types of props that should become valuable once books release full markets.

Quarterback Passing Yards

The best early quarterback prop targets will likely come from higher-total games like Ravens vs. Cowboys, Bengals vs. Falcons, 49ers vs. Rams and Patriots vs. Lions. If totals stay near the upper 40s, passing volume should be live in those matchups.

Bet: No widely posted final prop number yet

Running Back Rushing Yards

International games can sometimes turn into run-heavy scripts, especially when teams are dealing with early kickoffs, long travel and conservative coaching. Steelers-Saints and Texans-Jaguars are the two matchups most likely to produce useful rushing yard props if the totals remain low.

Bet: Wait for posted rushing yard lines

Game Total Touchdowns

Game touchdown props could be attractive in the Bengals-Falcons and Ravens-Cowboys matchups. Both games have enough offensive ceiling to clear standard touchdown totals, but bettors should compare those prices against the full-game over before placing anything.

Bet: Monitor Bengals-Falcons and Ravens-Cowboys TD markets

For weekly markets once props are available, bettors can compare our NFL betting analysis with current player prop boards before locking in a number.

Best Bets For The NFL International Games

Check out our early best bets for the 2026 NFL International Games:

  • Los Angeles Rams -2.5 vs. San Francisco 49ers
  • Baltimore Ravens -2.5 vs. Dallas Cowboys
  • Jacksonville Jaguars +1.5 vs. Houston Texans
  • Under 41.5 in Steelers vs. Saints
  • Detroit Lions -1.5 vs. New England Patriots

The strongest early play is the Ravens -2.5 over the Cowboys in Brazil. Dallas will always take public money, especially in a standalone international spot, but Baltimore has the more reliable profile. If that number stays under a field goal, the Ravens are worth a serious look.

The best scheduling angle is Jacksonville against Houston in London. The Jaguars will already be in their international routine after playing Philadelphia the week before. If Houston comes in cold from a normal domestic game week, Jacksonville’s preparation edge could matter. Bettors who want more weekly support can also compare picks from the best handicappers before building parlays or straight bets.

The under in Steelers-Saints is the cleanest total lean. That game has a defensive, slow-tempo feel, and Paris could produce the kind of first-time venue uncertainty that slows down offensive rhythm. Just be careful if the total drops too far below 41.5.

If you’re building an early international parlay, Rams -2.5, Ravens -2.5 and Lions -1.5 is the cleanest favorite-based card. It is still early, though, so this is a watchlist more than a final betting ticket.

NFL International Games Schedule

The 2026 NFL International Games schedule includes nine games across seven countries. Here is the full updated slate with early predictions:

DateGameLocation
Sept. 1049ers vs. RamsMelbourne, Australia
Sept. 27Ravens vs. CowboysRio de Janeiro, Brazil
Oct. 4Colts vs. CommandersLondon, England
Oct. 11Eagles vs. JaguarsLondon, England
Oct. 18Texans vs. JaguarsLondon, England
Oct. 25Steelers vs. SaintsParis, France
Nov. 8Bengals vs. FalconsMadrid, Spain
Nov. 15Patriots vs. LionsMunich, Germany
Nov. 22Vikings vs. 49ersMexico City, Mexico

This is the NFL’s most ambitious international schedule yet, and it gives bettors more global football than ever before. The early favorites are mostly reasonable, but the best betting value may come from understanding the travel calendar better than the market.

The Rams are the best Week 1 international side, the Ravens are the strongest overall early bet, the Jaguars have the most interesting scheduling edge, and Steelers-Saints is the top total to watch. But with these games spread across three months, the smartest move is to treat every pick as flexible until injuries, form and travel plans become clear.

For now, the 2026 NFL International Games board gives us a strong mix of favorites, situational underdogs and totals worth tracking. Once the regular season begins, these numbers will move fast, so keep checking the latest odds before placing any bets.